2018 is THE YEAR OF THE DRESS

December 27, 2017

I LOVE BOHEMIAN BEACH DRESSES.

THERE I SAID IT.

I love them on myself, and I love them on my subjects because THERE IS ART to the way a dress like that moves. And also there is the LOVELY. In the right dress, even if it is not something you would NORMALLY wear, YOU WILL FEEL BEAUTIFUL, because it is beautiful and it is ON YOU.

I mean, you don't NORMALLY get your pictures made. It is a SPECIAL OCCASION. Even if we are looking for an easy breezy casual candid adventure documentary, the wardrobe should be SPLENDID and you should feel and look amazing.

AND THIS IS WHERE I GET MY DRESSES.

I mean LOOK AT THESE DETAILS. GUH THIS IS A DRESS!!

A little skin, a lot of flow, those gorgeous scallops - YOU CAN BE A MERMAID QUEEN, I am in love with everything about this dress but WAIT TIL YOU SEE THE BACK.

This gorgeous dress and the lovely jewelry can be found HERE.
Use the code KVAND25 to get 25% off!!
(always free shipping in the USA)

A dress brings DRAMA to any session, I love the layering of textures and jewelry and fabrics as they work together to create something amazing.

I am absolutely in love with this dress, and it has a little jumpsuit inside so you feel like you are beautiful and ready for action all at the same time!

Find this gorgeous dress HERE.
Use the code KVAND25 to get 25% off!!
(always free shipping in the USA)

Can we all take a moment to drool over this mixed metal BLING?
I need ALL THE BLING.

These necklaces are TO DIE FOR.
(Don't forget the CODE!! KVAND25!!)

Do you want one more peek into this gorgeous collection??
DO YA??

OF COURSE YOU DO!!!

This one might be my favorite. I love the color and the fit of this one.

AND THE DETAILS OMG.

This dress is perfect for any body. It can be styled up all kinds of ways and would be quite lovely on a pregnant subject as well.

This gorgeous dress will anchor any photo session in just the right amount of lovely. Mama should shine like an heirloom diamond in family photos, and layered with a beautiful shawl and just the right jewelry, this dress is pretty much perfect.

Find it HERE.
And don't forget to use the code KVAND25 for 25% off your purchase!!

The bad news is, I have run out of time for this blog.
The good news is, I HAVE MORE DRESSES!!!!

STAY TUNED!

What to Wear - 5 Awesome Wardrobe Tips for Your Family Session

December 19, 2017

Wardrobe is always a sticking point for my clients and I want you all to know I AM RIGHT HERE WITH YOU. I absolutely LOVE being a part of your styling process, and that's why I also keep key pieces in my own client wardrobe to help you out.

Each member of your family deserves their very own intentional wardrobe pieces to bring out the beauty of each individual as well as add to the general artistry of your final product. Here are a few tips that you might not think about on your own to get the MOST out of your family aesthetic.

1. Vary colors of jeans/pants.

In a family session full of boys, for example, you might have several individuals wearing jeans. I love it when grey, khaki, light and dark denims are varied. It is easier to tell whose legs are whose and gives texture and depth to an otherwise often neglected aspect of of composition. When I end up layering subjects everyone still stands out on their own.

And speaking of standing out....

2. SHINE LIKE THE MAMA DIAMOND YOU ARE

Wear something that makes you feel so lovely you can hardly handle yourself. I am a mama, and I know the struggle is real when it comes to looking easy -breezy beautiful after getting all the kids put together but this really should be more about you than them. Wear the prettiest dress you can find. (I have a bunch of things available as well.) Flow like an ethereal angel. Get your make up done. Get your hair all extra. Put on a statement necklace that makes statements you wouldn't normally make. Wear pink in a sea of boys. Be the bling. Don't hold back. GET YOUR SHOOT, GIRL.

3. Keep it Natural

I love skin. Any chance you can just show a little is always good on camera. Whether it is a slit in your maxi dress, a short dress with your boots, or bare chested blond boys on the beach, a little skin is always in. I love a hint of bare shoulder or back or leg. Just a little something extra to add a casual beauty to your compositions.

4. Vary Shirt Colors and Textures

If you are both wearing the same color blue, you are going to look like a big blue blob THERE I SAID IT. If someone is wearing a blue shirt with grey pants, someone else can wear a gray top and blue jeans and the whole thing just looks so much cleaner. So, I say pick a color scheme that also works with your home decor (for prints!) and stay in line with that style guide. I love how the hug in the above image is highlighted by the texture and color (and SKIN!) and everybody has their own unique look yet they still look great together. SIGH. PERFECTION. This will look beautiful in any room in the house.

5) Think in Terms of Texture

Your black and whites are going to shine with more texture in your wardrobe. when you wrap yourself in a yummy blanket scarf or snuggle the baby up in gorgeous cable knits and sweater textures, more layers of beauty show up in your final product. Hugs seem warmer, hand holds stand out more, and you can vary the color scheme only slightly to get beautiful tones and texture. Texture is so rich in itself and layering textures in a composition is just SO DANG LOVELY.

So there you have it. I plan to discuss your wardrobe ideas at length, and as I said , I am also happy to consult, point you in the direction of great items online, raid your closet, or bring my own stuff to make sure that your whole family looks amazing. I want you to love (and PRINT!) your pictures. And I think this is key to a lasting kind of love.

Family Holiday Mini Sessions and a visit from The Ghost of Christmas Past!

December 18, 2017

It's 1 week until Christmas 2017 and I can't even believe how fast time flies!
I am going to roll out ALL of my gorgeous Holiday Sessions now that everyone has had time to print and send their cards.

In fact, LET'S TALK CARDS for a sec...

Do you understand when you need to have your pictures ready to order cards to get out in time? Questions you MAY want to ask yourself:

1) How busy is my favorite photographer?
2) How fast can I get my images back to order cards and gifts?

HOW QUICKLY WILL MY LIFE FLASH BEFORE MY IMPENDING HOLIDAY DENYING EYES?????

Even *I* don't know the answers to the crazy questions, but if NEXT YEAR goes anything like THIS YEAR, I would think you will need to book your date long before you really want to think about it if your favorite photographer is ME.

REMEMBER: LUCK FAVORS THE PREPARED!!

Also IF YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHER IS ME, then let's make sure we freely communicate about your wardrobe and details. I love to incorporate fun holiday themes and colors and items and the more we talk the more you are gonna love your final images.

I mean, I don't expect you to have this awesome VW bus, BUT IF YOU DO, then bet your bippy I want to incorporate into your family mini sessions. I am so in love with the adorable details that really make this morning mini session scream WINTER HOLIDAY even though I am sure it warmed up to 80 degrees that day.

ormond beach florida family photographer

Family Mini sessions ON LOCATION are 30 minutes of shooting and we generally get a good 35-50 pics for you to choose your faves from.

30 MINUTES.

THE BOYS IN YOUR FAMILY WON'T EVEN KNOW
WHAT THEY JUST ACCOMPLISHED FOR YOU.

WARDROBE TIPS: if you are a mom wearing an outfit with jeans, BRING THE BLING and a POP of SHOE GLAMOUR. I am so loving this statement necklace and her little red suede shoes DO IT FOR ME.

CLIENT TIP: I am on schedule with this family every other year for updates to the image library. So naturally, Barb was brilliant enough to schedule her session before ANYBODY ELSE. I mean, Barb knows she has to get in there early, and she has to bring me fun stuff to play with. BE LIKE BARB. WE HAVE GROWN TOGETHER. WE GET EACH OTHER. I LOVE HER.

Same family, same location, 2 years ago in 2015!!
We have all grown up so much!

SUPER BLAST FROM THE PAST: 2013

I mean the best part is that she still let me keep coming back, and that I kept trying to get better and better.

Triple Threat - Daytona Beach Baby Photographer - Triplets

May 2, 2017

I once had a dog and if you threw 3 balls, he would try to fit all 3 in his mouth.
That's how these three little people make me feel!

Here is a session that is proof that the best part of a session are the outtakes!
(SPOILER Lifestyle Photography IS basically outtakes.)

I can't really begin to quantify my job as a photographer, because it is so fun and awesome, yet also it isn't as easy as I make it seem! I have 1 hour to try and reveal the souls and connection between how ever many people I have in front of my camera and so often, I will encounter a subject or two who may even have been brought to the session against their will!

But this is how my job is wonderfully easy:

Life is beautiful.
Life is magical.
Life is REAL.
As long as I keep snapping up
little bits and pieces of REAL life,
I will capture a magic that only truly yours.

It's so hard to make all three of them happy at the same time! I can't imagine what these adorable parents have been going through, but watching them just love on these babies and let them be themselves and soak in the moments was such an amazing process.

And mom had the best attitude. "Everybody loves the ones where they are crying!"
GIVE THE PEOPLE WHAT THEY WANT. :)

Life so real I can't even handle the cuteness!

Oh, NOW YOU'RE HAPPY. :P

Things I learned about tiny adorable gangs:
They do what they want.
They go where they want.
They eat cheerios.

After a little warming up, all 3 are almost happy. :)

identical triplets - daytona beach family photographer

The one in the middle KNOWS.

identical triplets - ormond beach family photographer

Finally the right mixture of cheerios, fan wind and me acting a fool.

I MEAN COME ONNNNNNNN.
How are they supposed to deals with this manner of cuteness all day and night?

You have no idea the amount of weird noises and exaggerated motions it takes to keep these three anywhere near THE ZONE. Of course with this level of content we had to try and throw the parents back into the mix!

Cutest family ever!

Each one of them is adorable in a similar but totally unique way.
But my favorite part is getting to know their little personalities as they grow.

And there ya have it.
To sum up: Somebody is hogging up all the babies.
I think it might be ME!

Family Love - Ponce Inlet Family Photographer

April 12, 2017

When this sweet mama contacted me, I knew I had to connect with this little family.

She wanted some special pics before Daddy went back to work for a few months.

I just love documenting families.
I really do.

I think this one might be my favorite.
Maybe my second favorite.

The last one in this set is so good it is hard to choose!

Everybody knows I am a sucka for little boys.
This one's little fauxhawk and man shirt had me starry eyed.

Wait, no IS THIS ONE MY FAVORITE?

Despite Daddy not being a "picture person" he ended up really liking it.
When he saw the inlet jetty walk he immediately asked if we could get right out there.
I love that he fell into the adventure.
When Dads believe, anything is possible.

Wind in hair is my absolute favorite.
Let your hair free.
Let things happen.

Let magic become real...

Family Sessions are my favorite and sunset or sunrise is the way to make them PERFECT!
contact me at 407-595-4185 to talk about customizing your family session wardrobe/location/accessories to capture your beautiful life in the beautiful color it deserves.

Or black and white. If you are into that. ( I AM )

Hello 2017 - Ponce Inlet Beach Vacation Photography

January 4, 2017

My favorite clients are on vacation here on the beautiful Florida coast. LAtely I have had lots of clients visiting their grandparents and wanting a big family/small family combo session, and these are just my favorite.

So much love and all of the smiles.
It is true that we are more lovely when we are with our loved ones.

And this mama right here?
I just LOVED her immediately.
She wanted to worry about kids getting wet or messy, and she wanted to worry about her hair.

But I didn't let her.

And when I pulled them aside and gave them couples' pose prompts, they giggled at the awkwardness, and then just breathed into the lovely space of what I wanted it to be.

And I loved them for it.

I loved every minute of the hour spent with this family almost as much as the time spent poring over each little joyous moments during edits.

This was my very last session of 2016 and I couldn't even imagine a better ending.
I feel like I grew so much and learned a ton, and met so many wonderful new people.

These moments right here. A mommy, a child, this love: this is my favorite thing to capture.
I am so excited for all the stories to tell in 2017!

Angel Face - Daytona Beach Child Portraits

July 14, 2016

This sweet little gigglebox stole my heart...

I absolutely LOVE mommy and me sessions.

If all I ever captured was a mother and child love bond, I would be a happy photographer.

Mommy loves you more than she can ever say.

July 5, 2016

So many times I try to recreate the moments I feel have passed me by.

Moments as a mother to young children, especially.

I long to have these photos of myself to calm my heart when life seems too rushed.

When they are growing up too fast.

I don't have a lot of pictures of me with my children.

I am the one who documents all the things in our lives.

I am the one not in the images of their childhood.

I am the one behind the camera, tears falling as I scramble to capture the moments I can see flying into the past.

When I have the opportunity to capture this sweet fleeting moment of pure love, the world. just. stops.
There is nothing else.

There is only this.

This is what I want for you.

To capture the sweet moments you want to hold on to.

To immortalize your sweet selfless love.

Sugar and Spice

August 7, 2014

Some little girls just captivate an audience.
I have had my eye on these 2 since I first saw them...and was so lucky that their mother felt sure I could capture them in their best light.

Also, it must be said that Mommy didn't let me down when it came to hair and wardrobe...
She's a GIVER! The bright gorgeous colors and this awesome sunrise made way for some beautiful shots.

Sisters...

4 Months Old

August 6, 2014

It is never to late to get baby pictures.
I mean, as long as they are still a baby.

Remember them this way.
Even when they are 15.

Sigh.

(Warning: CUTEST BELLY EVER)

Ponce Inlet is for Families

August 4, 2014

Who knew I would have 2 (2!) former classmates come visit me during the same week.

Seriously, I used to ride the bus with this one, too!

I called it my "Magic School Bus Reunion" week of shooting...

This particular family is PARTICULARLY adorable as they one a handful of couples from my high school (Go SILVERHAWKS!) that were a couple IN HIGH SCHOOL. How deep is that love?

And how crazy when daughter walked around the back of the car when we first pulled up and looked JUST LIKE I remember her mother.

It kind of took my breath away.

I love what I do.
Mostly because I love who I do it with.
Every. Time.

Beautiful Sisters in the Sun

August 3, 2014

Taking a few moments from a crazy birthday shoot for fifteen 13 year olds to do some family shots. (When *I* was 13, I was friends and rode the bus with this 13 year old's mom.)

I can't tell you how much it means to me when friends from my past contact me for a session. Not only is it awesome to catch up, it is such an experience to see them now, as an adult, with their own children.

What is also amazing is seeing their former selves in their children.

Her girls are just at the age I remember her....

Mother's Day

May 7, 2014

If you haven't mailed anything out, you still have time!
Nobody loves you like your mama!

Here are a few of a favorite mama of mine...
Even when your children seem grown they are still your babies!

A pose for me.

A pose for mom.

One for Grandma.

And one she will treasure forever and ever.

Vacation Reunions

April 9, 2014

When I was little, my extended family would meet each year at the beach for some family time.
My favorite pictures are from those beach weeks.

I so enjoyed this session with this family.
Sometimes large groups can be difficult to wrangle...but they made it so easy and FUN!

Fantasy Maternity Sesh

February 12, 2014

I am always up for something new.
But something about maternity photos seems, I don't know, forced sometimes?
Yet, THE BELLY.
IT MUST BE PHOTOGRAPHED.

But I wanted to get creative.
Freshen the session.

My model here is the adorable and talented Cat Runyan, who is an amazing photographer and I may be a little bit (ALOT!) smitten with this kitten.

When she pulled out this umbrella I thought I might cry.

I mean, how perfect is this bump?

Maternity with a twist

February 9, 2014

So this project has been on my mind in a crazy kind of way.
Since I first conceived and cast this shoot I have lost sleep on the days I feared I wouldn't pull it off.

But I will be sleeping good tonight.

Blast from the Past

January 17, 2014

Funny, it seems SO LONG ago that she had long hair.
(She cut it herself when she was 3.)
So since this photo is from October 2011, she isn't even 2.5 yet here.)

Oh my heart.
::sigh::

They grow up so fast.
And I am so grateful for the pictures like these.
To remind me of lost moments. Replaced moments. Too busy to slow down and enjoy moments.

Don't let your moments slip by.
Document. Document. Document.

Your life is a story you should be able to pick up and flip through.
There are so many ways to share your life with those you love.

Take pictures.